FAQs
SHIPPING AND ORDERS
Q: How long will it take for my order to arrive?
A: Not long, I hope! However, please keep in mind that Birchwood Palace Industries is a very small operation run by a very tired dad. While I try to get orders out as soon as they come in, I often drop the week's shipments off at the post office on Saturdays. For domestic orders, you can expect delivery within 5-15 business days. Tracking information will be provided once your order ships.
Q: What service do you use to ship orders?
A: We generally send out our books via the United States Postal Service Media Mail. This is much more cost-effective, but can sometimes take a few days longer than other USPS shipping services. Stickers, pamphlets, printed goods and merch generally go out via USPS Ground or First Class.
Q: Aw, man, what if I need it sooner?
A: Let us know as soon as you place the order, or better yet, before you place it! We can usually get things out via Ground or Priority if it's a time-sensitive situation.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Unfortunately, we haven't found a cost-effective way to do this. However, the good news is that our friends at Public Knowledge Books in the UK have a number of Birchwood Palace titles in their store, and they ship to Europe and Asia.
Q: Can I track my order?
A: Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive an automated email with tracking information.
Q: My order hasn’t arrived. What should I do?
A: Let us know! Email us at via the contact form on our website with your last name and order number, and we’ll figure it out.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We can only accept returns for items that arrive damaged. If you receive a damaged item, let us know via the contact form. Generally, we'll offer a refund or a replacement for damaged books.
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
Q: Where can I purchase your books?
A: Our books are available directly through our website, and at these independent bookstores and shops.
Q: Are your books limited edition?
A: Nope. They're all open editions. We generally do digital print runs of 50 or 100 at a time.
Q: What if the book I want is marked as "sold out" on your website?
A: Check first with one of these independent bookstores and shops; they'll often have books in stock we don't have on hand. If you don't find any there, contact us and let us know what you're looking for. We try to keep most of our titles in print, but as ou may know firsthand, the economics of running a micropublishing service are brutal.
Q: Do you offer wholesale options for retailers?
A: Yes, we sure do! We offer wholesale pricing for bookstores, galleries, and retailers. Our terms are generally 50% of the retail price, with no minimum. Drop a line using the contact form and let us know what titles you're interested, and how many you'd like. You can see other stores that carry our products here.
Q: Do you offer publications on consignment for retailers?
A: Generally, no, but there are always exceptions.
Q: Are your books available in digital formats?
A: No, we mostly focus on printed materials. Nothing against digital formats, of course. We just haven't figured out a way good way to do it.
Q: Are your books available on Amazon?
A: No. At least, not from us directly. We tried selling on Amazon for awhile, and found the experience to to be very unpleasant, and not at all worth what whatever extra visibility being on the platform might bring. (We'd be lucky to make only two or three bucks on every sale after fees.) There may be secondhand copies floating around Amazon. But the best way to buy our books is from this website directly, or from a trusted retail partner.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Q: Do you accept submissions?
A: We do, yes, sort of, but please be advised we have an extremely haphazard publication schedule. If you are OK living with some ambiguity, it's always nice to hear from artists and writers with an interesting idea. Say hi using the contact form. Before you get in touch, please take the time to look at our back catalog to familiarize yourself with the sort of work we publish. We're generally looking for what you might describe as "niche reference materials" relating to visual culture and design. But there are obviously lots of other topics that would Birchwood Palace could be a good home for. We'd like to take a crack at a cookbook sometime.
Q: What printing service do you use?
A: For most of our products, we work with Smartpress in Chanhassan, Minnesota.
Q: Who's this "we"? Is Birchwood Palace Industries a large company with many employees?
A: You got me, there's no "we." It's just me, Andy.